Which Red Wings Players Are “Untouchables”?

Mar 22, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Oskar Sundqvist (70) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Oskar Sundqvist (70) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Red Wings
Alex Nedeljkovic of the Detroit Red Wings. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Goalie, Alex Nedeljkovic

I’m sure this one comes as a surprise to many however, I promise you- I have my reasoning that I will share.

Alex Nedeljkovic is one of the few players on this team that I feel we’ve completely gone off course on. I mean, the fan base seems to have it in their minds that Alex Nedeljkovic is a sub-par goalie. But, I do not believe that is the case.

Nedeljkovic was acquired by the Red Wings after having a terrific season with the Carolina Hurricanes last year. This year, we seemed to get the rotten end of that apple… or did we?

When looking at the team the Red Wings had, it’s not exactly like it was top talent or even respectable talent around the board. I’d argue that it was actually embarassing. The number of players that I’d grade as above-average I can count on with on my hands: Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Lucas Raymond, Jakub Vrana, Mortiz Seider, and maybe Filip Hronek? Anyways, you understand my point. He had nothing in front of him that made his job any easier.

The reason I point that out for Nedeljkovic and not Thomas Greiss is because, Nedeljkovic towards the end of the season, dominanted. I mean, he was lights out for a majority of his games he played in. And if he was able to do respectable with the team placed in front of him, could you imagine just how good he could be with some defensive help? He could be a true top 15 goalie in the league.

I mean, he was good with Carolina, but he is just now really getting ready to hit his prime with the Red Wings and I truly feel he could be the other half to Seabstian Cossa when he’s ready.